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Careers in History

Careers in History

History degrees have a good reputation and are popular amongst employers because graduates are analytical and able to express opinion whilst simplifying complex ideas.

  • Teaching
  • Civil Service
  • Historian
  • Lawyer
  • Accountancy
  • Public Relations
  • Marketing
  • Archivist
  • Journalism
  • Media
Where to find History job adverts

Broadsheet daily and Sunday Newspapers, particularly the Guardian Media supplement

The Economist magazine

Careers in History

History Degrees
Subjects to study at A Level:

Any – It perfectly complements the range of subjects in both the humanities and sciences. Subjects to particularly consider: English, Government & Politics, Economics, Latin, Modern Languages and Geography.

You can also take History with a wide variety of other subjects, and entry requirements are often lower.

Wider reading:

Read as much as you can and develop an area of specialism. It is also useful to stay up to date with current affairs so follow: News websites, the Economist magazine and Financial Times.

Top universities:

All leading UK universities offer History. The top 10 UK Universities for History according to the Complete University Guide are:

  • Durham
  • Cambridge
  • Oxford
  • St Andrews
  • London School of Economics
  • Warwick
  • University College London (UCL)
  • Exeter
  • Birmingham
  • Bristol

(check UCAS website for entry requirements for these universities: www.ucas.com)

Graduate Prospects

A history degree is just the beginning as it opens the door to a multitude of careers. Many graduates find success through Internships and Work Experience.

Gumtree recently completed a poll of employers with the results showing that work experience makes you 95% more employable. The good news carries on, two thirds of employers think candidates with work experience were more knowledgeable, 44% think they are more confident and 40% say they are more committed.

Useful websites for History related work placements and internships:

http://studyingeconomics.ac.uk/during-your-study/work-experience/places-for-economists/

www.inspiringinterns.com

https://www.gov.uk/find-internship

www.milkround.com

www.interwise.co.uk

www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-office/about/recruitment

https://www.lse.ac.uk/

www.ratemyplacement.co.uk

www.civilservice.gov.uk/networks/ges/student-placements

www.prospects.ac.uk